The 6-4, 250-pound Shiancoe has been a model of durability in his career, never missing a game in nine previous seasons with the Giants and Vikings.

Last season, he made 36 catches for 409 yards and three touchdowns with Minnesota.

The Pats have five tight ends on their current roster, led by Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez (who is more of a hybrid of a tight end and wide receiver). The others are Jake Ballard, the former New York Giant who is likely to spend this season on injured reserve; as well as veteran Daniel Fells and undrafted rookie Tyler Urban.

New England signed veteran Bo Scaife in June but cut him shortly afterward.

The Patriots could be looking at Shiancoe as an insurance policy, with Gronkowski returning from offseason ankle surgery. Fells, too, missed time during offseason minicamps because of injury.